Cancún Bounces Back: Tropical Storm Helene Aftermath

On September 25, Cancún, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Lázaro Cárdenas woke up to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm later escalated to a Category 1 hurricane, but not before leaving a trail of damage in its wake.

Governor Mara Lezama initiated support and monitoring tours in the northern area of the state, which was most impacted by the storm. Although the storm was downgraded to a yellow alert, the eye of Helene never made landfall in Quintana Roo. Instead, it became a hurricane as it crossed the Yucatán Channel. The least violent bands of Helene affected the coasts of Quintana Roo, passing through the northern part of the state between 5 and 9 in the morning, causing minor damage to palm trees and scattering branches across the streets.

Commercial activity in Cancún and Isla Mujeres was significantly disrupted. Hotel employees, crucial to maintaining the tourism industry, had to navigate flooded streets and suspended transportation to reach their workplaces. Heavy rainfall caused power outages in several neighborhoods, such as regions AM 59, 67, 63, and 200, as well as in more remote areas like Bonfil and Villas del Sol, in Cancún. Some transformers even blew out due to the storm, leaving residents without electricity in the intense tropical heat.

Educational institutions suspended classes, and Cancun International Airport reported four delayed flights, 14 canceled arrivals, and 24 departures, leaving travelers stranded. The storm also impacted sea travel, with 70 boats needing rescue. On the particularly storm-vulnerable island of Holbox, 700 residents were evacuated to mainland areas.

The storm intensified as the eye of Helene was directly across from Cancún, 60 kilometers off the coast. It gained strength in the middle of the Yucatán Channel, between Cabo Catoche and the western region of Cuba, reaching hurricane status. It's now heading towards the Gulf of Mexico, where it's expected to strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane, with the Florida peninsula in its path.

As the storm has passed, Quintana Roo begins to assess the damage. Flooding has led to some major avenues being blocked by police to prevent any motorists from attempting to navigate them. Despite the overcast skies, activity is slowly resuming, with hopes that the worst is now behind.